As children growing up in Mexico, sisters Mavy and Sandra Bejar spent a lot of time outdoors. One of their favorite activities was grabbing dandelions, blowing on them and making wishes.
Now, after a couple decades apart, they have reunited to go into business together with the first-in-recent-memory yoga studio in Keller, which opened on Feb. 8. The name? Dandelion House, of course.
The sisters say the name comes from the strength of dandelions and their ability to thrive in challenging conditions, even pushing through concrete and returning year after year. They note that it symbolizes their own strength and determination to be together again, making their wishes come true.
Though they were apart, Sandra said she and Mavy have always remained close. Each has certainly covered their part of the world, but their hearts were always together.
Sandra has lived in Mexico, England, Switzerland, Michigan, Florida and now Texas. Mavy’s travels have taken her to Mexico, Spain and Texas.
“Despite the distances, our family has always remained very close. That’s the beauty of our bond, we always care for each other, no matter where we were,” Sandra said.
Mavy added that they would also often visit each other, creating not only a reunion but often an adventure in a new place.
Why a yoga studio?
Each has experience as a yoga instructor, so they agree it made sense to bring that together under one roof at the Old Town home, 136 E. Hill St.
Mavy said a passion for yoga also helped her through some struggles in her personal life. She took up yoga, hoping it would help her move forward as she was going through a marriage reaching its end.
“When you don’t expect a divorce after 20 years of being together, you feel like your whole world collapsed. Your self-esteem, confidence, your faith, it all comes crashing down,” she said.
She recalled one day, while in yoga training, the teacher asked the class to cover their eyes for the practice. Mavy said she connected with various emotions: fear, insecurity, frustration, helping her reconnect with herself, her confidence and, above all, finding a purpose and a reason in her life to continue healing.
“That way, I would someday be able to share my path with someone who needs it as I did,” she said. “Yoga is not just about the poses — its a way of life to me.”
Inspired by their dad
The sisters lost their father last year. They said his pursuit of his own dreams served as an inspiration.
“Even though he struggled with the language, that didn’t stop him from giving conferences in English right after he moved to Texas,” Sandra said. “After getting his green card, his next goal was to become a citizen. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the time to accomplish that step. However, he always enjoyed life and made new friends wherever he went, never ashamed to speak English, to engage with the community and to be recognized by many new friends he gained in just a few years living here.”
She added that they are certain that if their dad, who was a business consultant, was still around, he would feel overjoyed to help with the studio.
“He always offered advice and listened to our struggles,” Sandra said. “Working through our loss has helped us heal and cherish even more everything he did in life and the legacy he left for us.”
Mavy said family was the most important thing in their father’s life and she believes he would be proud of their accomplishments working together.
“Sandy and I were with him in his last moments. We know that if he were here today, not only would he be proud, but he would surely have been part of our journey, giving us his best advice,” she said.
After their father’s death, their mother was diagnosed with cancer. Sandra said her battle to keep living, especially after losing her partner of 50 years, has been incredibly moving.
“She has embraced various healing paths to overcome and heal herself. I am profoundly grateful to have her with us,” she said. “She is a remarkable inspiration of strength and determination just like my dad.”
The sisters believe their studio offers much more than yoga. They see it as a safe place for others who, like themselves, are dealing with emotional challenges.
“Day by day we learn and make ourselves more and more conscious and aware of the struggles people face in life, and we are very attuned to their needs,” Mavy said. “Our empathy shines through in everything we do.
“People with diverse and similar experiences come to our studio and immediately feel the care and compassion we provide. We strive to make everyone feel welcome and truly cared for. Our goal is to continue creating a community where we can share, heal, and work through our struggles and challenges together.”
Plans for the business
Sandra said as the business progresses the goal is to keep growing their community by offering a variety of classes, workshops, and therapies to help people find their path to happiness and peace.
“We are looking forward to make a difference for Keller and the wonderful community around,” she said.
They also plan to continue inviting artisans to be part of their journey and to count on Dandelion House as a place where they can share their art and inspiration. “Similarly, to grow together with our instructors and coaches to provide diverse workshops in English and Spanish, ensuring we include people from different backgrounds,” Mavy said.
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